Health Department: No swimming at Venice beach after water tests show high bacteria count
VENICE – Sarasota County health officials have issued a no swim advisory for Venice Beach, 101 The Esplanade, Thursday, because of high bacteria levels found during weekly water quality testing on Aug. 16.
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County tested the water again Friday and expects to have the next round of test results available after 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19.
DOH-Sarasota Environmental Administrator Tom Higginbotham emphasized that the Florida Healthy Beaches program protects beach goers when conditions are unsuitable for swimming.
"People, especially the very young, elderly or who have a weak immune system that swallow water while swimming can get stomach or intestinal illnesses,” Higginbotham said in a prepared statement. “If water comes in contact with a cut or sore, people can get infections or rashes.”
Venice Beach open, swimming discouraged
The beach remains open; however, wading, swimming and water recreation is not recommended because of the bacteria.
In addition, do not eat shellfish such as crabs and shrimp collected in the immediate area of any beach with a no-swim advisory. Finfish caught live and healthy can be eaten if fileted.
Where does the bacteria come from?
Some bacteria are naturally present in the environment. Enterococcus bacteria comes from a variety of natural and human sources including pet waste, livestock, birds, wildlife (land-dwelling and marine), stormwater runoff, or human sewage from failed septic systems and sewage spills. No sewage spills have been reported within one mile of the posted beach in the past two weeks.
The rapid response team from Sarasota County and the city of Venice has determined the cause of the elevated bacteria levels is likely due to natural sources. Recent rainfall washing accumulated pollutants, including bacteria from birds, pet feces, and wildlife into local waters may be a contributing factor.
Other area beaches show safe bacteria levels
Testing has revealed bacteria levels within acceptable limits at the following area beaches: Longboat Key Beach, South Lido Park Beach, Siesta Beach, North Lido Beach, Lido Casino Beach, Nokomis Beach, Bird Key Park Beach, Caspersen Beach, North Jetty Beach, Manasota Key Beach, Venice Pier Beach, Service Club Beach, Turtle Beach, Brohard Beach, Blind Pass Beach.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Water tests lead to no-swim advisory for Venice Beach
